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Recognition of Los Alamos Deputy Police Chief Oliver Morris on His Retirement (Accepted by Deputy Police Chief Oliver Morris)
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WHEREAS, Deputy Police Chief Oliver Morris was hired by the Los Alamos Police Department as an officer in 2004. He was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2010, detective sergeant in 2011, operations commander in 2015, and deputy police chief in 2022, and after a celebrated 20-year career with the Los Alamos Police Department, he has elected to retire; and
WHEREAS, early in his career, Deputy Chief Morris generously volunteered to participate in the Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) Law Enforcement Torch Run and is currently the regional coordinator for all North Region Law Enforcement Agencies involved in the Torch Run; and
WHEREAS, in February 2024, after 20 years of dedication to the Special Olympic Athletes, Deputy Chief Morris was recognized by Special Olympics New Mexico with the annual "Flame of Hope" award, the highest honor bestowed on a New Mexico officer; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Morris served as the first full-time School Resource Officer at Los Alamos Middle School, where he promoted safety, security, and fostered improved relationships between the Police Department and students; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Morris had the distinct privilege to attend and graduate from the FBI National Academy, completing the grueling "Yellow Brick Road" fitness challenge at Quantico, Virginia, in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Morris has excelled in various positions within the Los Alamos Police Department, including being awarded Supervisor of the Year in 2014, joining the Bomb Squad, assisting with evacuations and security during the Las Conchas Fire, and implementing improved case clearance rates in the detective section, which had a significant impact on residential burglaries, larcenies, white-collar crime, and combating illegal drug activity; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Morris has been a member of the Los Alamos Rotary Club for eight years, serving as past president and completing several community and regional projects such as the PEEC Nature Center Rotary Treehouse, delivery of supplies to the Navajo Nation during COVID, and "Peace Glow" to raise money for relief efforts for the Ukrainian people; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Morris has been active in our community, serving as a board member of Los Alamos Medical Center, a food and track coach at the Los Alamos Middle School, a judge for the Los Alamos Public School’s spelling bee, and a member of the Los Alamos Public Safety Association and High Desert Church; and
WHEREAS, Deputy Chief Morris is known for his motto, "Be a problem solver, not a report taker," which encourages his fellow officers to listen to the community's concerns and find solutions. Community policing has always been at the forefront of his career, and he believes that engaging with the community is the best way to maintain an effective police agency.
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby recognize
Los Alamos Deputy Police Chief Oliver Morris
We are honored and privileged that he chose to dedicate more than 20 years of service to Los Alamos County. He is a compassionate individual, an exemplary role model, and a Los Alamos community hero. We wish him all the best in his retirement.